How Do You Get Board Members to “Fundraise”?

Our Ask An Expert series features real questions answered by Claire Axelrad, J.D., CFRE, also known as Charity Clairity. Today’s question comes from a nonprofit employee who wants to know how to involve board members in fundraising without scaring them off:  

Dear Charity Clairity,
Our board doesn’t want to “fundraise” because they think asking is icky. What are some ways to get them involved that don’t (yet) involve asking, but that warm them up to the idea donors actually LIKE our organization and APPRECIATE the opportunity to get more engaged. I’ve been telling them this, but they don’t seem to believe me. Do you have any actionable tips for board members – like assignments I might make — that wouldn’t make them run for the hills?

— They Just Won’t Fundraise

Dear “They Just Won’t Fundraise,”

You’re not alone. “Our board won’t help” is easily one of the top three frustrations we hear from fundraisers and executive directors.

Here’s the plot twist: the number one complaint we hear from board members is, “Staff never give us anything to do.”

That’s a pretty big disconnect—especially when it comes to one of the most essential responsibilities of a board: making sure the organization has the resources it needs to fulfill its mission.

Like you, we talk about this all the time. (And yes, we’ve written about it here, here, and here.) Yet somehow, the gap between staff and boards persists.

So where does the disconnect begin?

We’ll be honest—it usually starts with staff.

In our very human attempt to be “nice” during board recruitment, we often skip the hard but necessary conversations. The result? Board members who care deeply about the mission, but aren’t prepared for their fiduciary role—especially when it comes to fundraising.

So let’s pause and ask:

1. Do you talk openly about fundraising responsibilities during the recruitment process?
2. Is fundraising included in your board member job descriptions?
3. Does your board orientation session clearly cover their role in fund development?
4. Do you offer ongoing board development to help members serve as ambassadors, advocates, and—eventually—askers?
5. Are you providing the encouragement, clarity, and cheerleading they need along the way?

Why are board members so afraid of fundraising?

Most people are afraid of asking.

To many board members, it feels like begging—and that’s uncomfortable. Add to that our cultural reluctance to talk about money at all, and suddenly “fundraising” becomes the thing they’ll avoid at all costs.

They’ll gladly help in a hundred other ways—just not with that “yucky” word that starts with fund.

What’s often missing is this simple truth: fundraising isn’t just asking. It’s a relationship-driven process that includes identifying supporters, nurturing connections, stewarding generosity, and yes—sometimes inviting someone to give.

The key is to start with what feels natural and build confidence from there.

How to take the “yuck” out of fundraising

First: Try reframing it.

What if, instead of “fundraising,” we talked about philanthropy facilitation? Same goal. Very different feeling. It replaces the dreaded four-letter word with something far more meaningful: philos + anthropy—love of humanity.

Next: Give board members options.

Create a menu of specific ambassador and advocate roles they can choose from. Ask them to indicate what they’re comfortable doing, then meet one-on-one to assign roles, answer questions, and set them up for success.

Here are a few easy, confidence-building ways board members can get involved:

1. Say thank you.
   Writing notes, sending emails, signing letters, or making gratitude calls (even leaving a warm voicemail) helps board members connect with supporters—and experience the joy of appreciation firsthand.
2. Open doors.
   Board members can introduce people from their networks who might be a good fit, often by helping schedule a friendly visit with the executive director or another leader.
3. Add personal notes.
   One of the simplest, most meaningful tasks: reviewing a donor list, flagging familiar names, and adding a handwritten note to an appeal, invitation, or thank-you.
4. Guide a tour.
   If you have a space people love to see—backstage, a campus, a pantry, a preserve—this is a no-pressure way to welcome supporters and share impact.
5. Bring a guest.
   Inviting friends to an event or tour is a powerful act of advocacy. It feels good, personal, and generous—because it is.
6. Host a house party.
   These gatherings harness the power of social proof. The board member becomes a trusted advocate, and guests get an up-close look at the mission—through stories, experiences, and human connection.

Finally: Check in.

This isn’t their day job. Don’t assume tasks will magically happen without a nudge or two. Ongoing encouragement and clarity go a long way.

Here’s the good news: board members will fundraise when they understand their options, feel supported, and aren’t forced into roles that don’t fit.

Your job isn’t to strong-arm them—it’s to help them feel good about helping.

When board members facilitate generosity, they’re not asking for money. They’re offering people the chance to do something meaningful, aligned with their values, and deeply human.

That’s not yucky. That’s joyful.

— Charity Clairity